1 Sam 13:15-14:23
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15 And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.
And Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. 16 And Saul and Jonathan his son and the people who were present with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.
15 And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.
And Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. 16 And Saul and Jonathan his son and the people who were present with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.
15 And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.
And Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. 16 And Saul and Jonathan his son and the people who were present with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Michmash. 17 And raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual; 18 another company turned toward Beth-horon; and another company turned toward the border that looks down on the Valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.
Intro: Today we continue in our study of 1 Samuel…and in this passage we’re gonna see a clear picture of heroic faith in the life of Johnathan…
I think all of us at one time or another know what it’s like what it like to be a kid and act like a super hero
All of us grew up playing the role the super hero…the bible is filled with heroic feats of faith that have been past down for generations...
Clothes pin and a towel…fighting justice…making our mark on the world
pin and a towel…fighting justice…making our mark on the world
Not one of us make believed ourselves to be “average”…we wanted to be hero’s
All of us grew up wanting to be a hero…clothes pin and a towel…the bible is filled with heroic feats of faith that have been past down for generations…David, Moses, Johnathan
App: Thats still a good thing to want because the bible is filled with heroic feats of faith that have been past down for generations…David, Moses, Johnathan
The bible is filled with heroic feats of faith that have been past down for generations…David, Moses, Johnathan
We should want to be a hero as well
What do I mean
(Prop) today we’re gonna learn how to be heroic as we see this great act of Valor from Johnathan...
What do I mean by “Hero” - I don’t want be God…But I want to be a hero
To my family
To my church
I wanna be remembered well…I want people see my example of life and want to follow it...
I wanna be remembered well…I want to be looked up too
We’re gonna answer 3 questions in this passage
Lay out:
When are hero’s made
What do hero’s look like
What hinders a hero
When are hero’s made?
Hero’s are made in times of crises 13:15-23
Hero’s are made in times of crises 13:15-23
And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal. The rest of the people went up after Saul to meet the army; they went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin.
And Saul numbered the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. And Saul and Jonathan his son and the people who were present with them stayed in Geba of Benjamin, but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.
So if we were to describe how the battle is going for the nation of Israel in a few words we would probably say the “out-everything”
\So if we were to describe how the battle is going for the nation of Israel in a few words we would probably say theY were “out-everythinged”
So if you missed last week what we saw was that a big war broke out between the Philistines and the Israelites...if we were to describe how the battle is going for the nation of Israel in a few words we would probably say they were not well
Out numbered - How many solders did the Philistines have? - (v.5) says “Six thousand horsemen…thirty thousand chariots…and many solders as sand on the seashore…thats the largest recorded Philistine Army in the bible...
1 Sam 13:5
1 Sam 13:5
Now, how many did Saul and Johnathan have? 600…and just last week we read that they started with 3000…they had lost 80% of their army in a short time
But here’s the thing...Even though your outnumbered you still have a chance if you’ve got the right position…but the Philistines had that too
3000 to 600 troops
17 And raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned toward Ophrah, to the land of Shual; 18 another company turned toward Beth-horon; and another company turned toward the border that looks down on the Valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.
1 sam 13:
So not only are they outnumbered but their also out positioned - The Philistines send out these “raiding parties” to block 3 of the roads that provided access to Micmash to prevent Israelite troops from moving north and to seal off Saul’s camp at Geba from any reinforcements that might come from Israelite tribes to the north
So their out numbered and out positioned, but you can win in any position if you just have the right weapons…right?
Out gunned -
Having established Micmash as their base camp, the Philistines sent out “raiding parties” (v. 17; Hb. hamašḥǐt; lit., “the destroyer/ spoiler”) to control three of the roads that provided access to Micmash, one going northwest to Ophrah, one going southwest to Beth Horon, and one going east to the Valley of Zeboiim. A fourth detachment was sent later “to the pass at Micmash” (v. 23) to prevent Israelite troops moving north from Geba. These Philistine troop deployments had the double benefit of securing the Philistine camp at Micmash while at the same time sealing off Saul’s camp at Geba from any reinforcements that might come from Israelite tribes to the north.
Out gunned...
So if we were to describe how is going for the nation of Israel in tow words those words would be “600” Saul’s great army that started at 3000 has now become a shall of itself at 600
Thats bad…but it gets worse
Clearly, Saul and his troops were very much at risk with the largest recorded Philistine army camped less than two miles away and all hope of assistance from the northern tribes being denied them.
19 Now there was no blacksmith to be found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.” 20 But every one of the Israelites went down to the Philistines to sharpen his plowshare, his mattock, his axe, or his sickle, 21 and the charge was two-thirds of a shekel for the plowshares and for the mattocks, and a third of a shekel for sharpening the axes and for setting the goads. 22 So on the day of the battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people with Saul and Jonathan, but Saul and Jonathan his son had them. 23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.
1 SAM 13:19-
So their out numbered - out positioned - now their out gunned - The Philistines had all the iron and all the (black smiths) technology to turn that Iron into metal (v. 19) So the men of Israel had to farm tolls to fight and Saul and Johnathan were only ones with a Sword
The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Samuel (2) Saul Makes a Foolish Vow before the Lord (13:16b–14:46)
The Philistines’ control of Israel’s access to metal also meant that Israel had no blacksmiths (v. 19). The men of Israel even had to rely on the Philistines to have their agricultural tools serviced—a step necessary to prevent metal in these implements from being reshaped into offensive weapons (cf. Joel 3:10). The Philistines used their monopoly on technology for economic gain as well, charging as much as a pim (“two-thirds of a shekel”) of silver, about eight grams, for simple repairs. No doubt this fee was considered outrageous and had the effect of oppressing Israel economically as well.
The Philistines used their monopoly on technology for economic gain as well, charging as much as a pim (“two-thirds of a shekel”) of silver, about eight grams, for simple repairs. No doubt this fee was considered outrageous and had the effect of oppressing Israel economically as well
The Philistines’ control of Israel’s access to metal also meant that Israel had no blacksmiths (v. 19). The men of Israel even had to rely on the Philistines to have their agricultural tools serviced—a step necessary to prevent metal in these implements from being reshaped into offensive weapons (cf. ). The Philistines used their monopoly on technology for economic gain as well, charging as much as a pim (“two-thirds of a shekel”) of silver, about eight grams, for simple repairs. No doubt this fee was considered outrageous and had the effect of oppressing Israel economically as well
So here’s the picture - So their out numbered - out positioned - out gunned - Israel is “Out-everythinged”
The New American Commentary: 1, 2 Samuel (2) Saul Makes a Foolish Vow before the Lord (13:16b–14:46)
The Philistines’ control of Israel’s access to metal also meant that Israel had no blacksmiths (v. 19). The men of Israel even had to rely on the Philistines to have their agricultural tools serviced—a step necessary to prevent metal in these implements from being reshaped into offensive weapons (cf. Joel 3:10). The Philistines used their monopoly on technology for economic gain as well, charging as much as a pim (“two-thirds of a shekel”) of silver, about eight grams, for simple repairs. No doubt this fee was considered outrageous and had the effect of oppressing Israel economically as well.
Have you ever felt “out-everythinged”? - Out of options - Out of strength - Out of resources - I don’t think anyone intentionally goes out to find those moments…but here’s the truth...You won’t need to find those moments…because they will find you - Sickness - Lay offs - Tragedy - we are all just a phone call away from being “Out everythinged”
App: Have you ever felt “out-everythinged”? - Out of options - Out of strength - Out of resources
I don’t think anyone intentionally goes out to find those moments…but here’s the truth...You won’t need to find those moments…because they will find you - Sickness - Lay offs - Tragedy - we are all just a phone call away from being “Out everythinged”
You won’t need to find those moments…because they will find you - Sickness - Lay offs - Tragedy - we are all just a phone call away from being “Out everythinged” what do we
But we must understand something: These are the moments when hero’s are born…in times of hardship and crises
Moses - During the time of enprisionmant
David - In a time we’re all the odds against us
Joseph - Famine
Here’s the point: Hero’s are forged out of hard times
Your hardship is a chance to be heroic
Do you see your adversity as a platform to leave heroic legacy?
Hero’s
Now as much as we hate those m
So here’s the big question: how are will you respond to these moments?
So here’s the big question: how are will you respond to these moments?
So here’s the big question: how are will you respond to these moments?
So what does it look like to be hero?
Hero’s look like Johnathan 14:1-15
Hero’s look like Johnathan 14:1-15
In Johnathan we have a picture of what it looks like to step out in faith and do great things in the most unexpected times
1-
1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone.
1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 4 Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”
1 sam 14:1-
1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 4 Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
1 sam
Now’ we’ll talk about Saul in a minute but here’s a something we in the boldness of Johnathan
He was willing to go
He was willing to go
Notice that He had the boldness to “Go” - Johnathan is sitting about this situation with his armor bearer…and he’s thinking this isn’t right…we’re God’s people…Their making a mockery of God…all of a sudden he says “Let’s go!” he’s doesn’t know what he’s gonna do there…but that if He does nothing things will just get worse…so he says “Let’s go to the garrison…we’re figure out what to do when we get there”
1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” - Johnathan is sitting about this situation with his armor bearer…and he’s thinking this isn’t right…we’re God’s people…Their making a mockery of God…all of a sudden he says “Let’s go!” he’s doesn’t know what he’s gonna do there…but that if He does nothing things will just get worse…so he says “Let’s go to the garrison…we’re figure out what to do when we get there”
And look what happens as they go....a plan comes together “4 Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag (cliff) on the one side and a rocky crag (cliff) on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba”
Here’s the picture: They went over to the garrison and realized that the philistines had camped in such a place where if they were attacked they were’t gonna be able to spread out…so a great fighter like Johnathan could take them on one at a time like a bad kung fu movie
Johnathan had to first go…and than God gave the plan…most of the time this is how God works
He didn’t know the whole
Abraham is a good picture of this
1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
4 So Abram went, as the Lord had told him, and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he departed from Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother’s son, and all their possessions that they had gathered, and the people that they had acquired in Haran, and they set out to go to the land of Canaan. When they came to the land of Canaan,
Abraham
1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. 3 I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
1 Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.
App: If your the kind of person that need the entire plan laid out before you…then your never gonna accomplish much…Sometimes you have to have to boldness to step out, trusting God will give the details after
Sometimes it’s intuition and sometimes it’s preservation: The 4 leapers in 2 kings 6
App: Doing something is better then doing nothing…and you can never be wrong for doing the right thing...If your the kind of person that need the entire plan laid out before you…then your never gonna accomplish much…Sometimes you have to have to boldness to step out, trusting God will give the details afterHe had wisdom
Understand: He will rearly call you to whats comfortable for you to do...
App: If your the kind of person that need the entire plan laid out before you…then your never gonna accomplish much…Sometimes you have to have to boldness to step out, trusting God will give the details afterHe had wisdom
He exercised wisdom
He exercised wisdom
He had wisdom
He had wisdom
So Johnathan was a picture of goodly boldness yet look at this...
(v.1) But he did not tell his father” Now, why is it that Johnathan didn’t tell his Father? - I believe it was because that his father would have stopped him…one of the things we saw about Saul last week was that self preservation meant more to him then God glory so he’s hidden in this cave with all of this security detail eating pomegranates and i think he would have shoot Johnathan daring venture of faith…so Jonathan makes a decision “I’m not gonna tell my dad”
Now was this disobedient? maybe, I don’t know? God knows, we can ask him when we see him...
Some people are faith killers…be carful of what you share with them
App: Johnathan excised a beautiful balance of “Boldness” and “Wisdom”….and so should we
Look at what else we see...
He Himself had Hero
He Himself had Hero
1 sam 14:
6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.”
Notice Johnathan’s not saying “let’s go to see them…I’ve been cross fitting and i’ll take them all out myself”…no notice where’s his confidence lies
“Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” - Johnathan knew it didn’t matter if the nation of Israel were massively outnumbered…God can save by many or by few
“Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us” - The fact that he call’s these philistines “uncircumcised” was to high not only who they were…but also to high who his people were...”the philistines arn’t God’s people we are! He defends us, he fights for us”
“for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” - Johnathan knew it didn’t matter if the nation of Israel were massively outnumbered…God can save by many or by few
here where Johnathans source of optimism came from - It wasn’t from his ability and strength…I knew God…and If God wanted it done…it can get done
The world needs people with Godly optimism - “What if” instead of “Here’s why not”
We have enough pessimist in the world…the world needs people with Godly optimism
He wasn’t just willing to talk about God’s power and faithful…he acted on it
Optimist are dreamers they always saying what if?
And I’ve realized…In life You need both…but you really really need optimist
He was willing to say “What if?”
App: Here’s the question - You believe this? and how does this come to bear in your life…do you believe in Romans 8:31 “If God is for us who can be against us” do you really believe it
1 sam 14:7
App: Here’s the question - You believe this? and how does this come to bear in your life…do you believe in romans 8:31 “If God is for us who can be against us” do you really believe it
And here where Johnathans source of optimism came from…it wasn’t from his ability and strength…I knew God…and If God wanted it done…it could get done
App: Here’s the question - You believe this? and how does this come to bear in your life…do you believe in romans 8:31 “If God is for us who can be against us” do you really believe it
He had help
He had help
He had help
7 And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.”
Johnathan was to do this…but he wasn’t to do it alone…God wanted his armor bearer was gonna need to help him…and He didn’t have the vision so to speak of Johnathan…but he had the heart to come along side and support
App: Maybe you’ll never be a Johnathan…but you be an armor bearer…find a Johnathan and support him or her
He waited for God’s confirmation
He waited for God’s confirmation
8 Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” 11 So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” 12 And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.”
1 sam 14:8-
Now think about this…Up to this point, Johnathan has just been going on a hunch…He believes this is what God has called him to do, but he’s still yielded enough to say…let’s make sure the Lords in this...”If we go out too them and they say we’ll come to you” then…run but if they see us and say “come at me bro” then we know the Lord has delivered them into our hands
App: Boldness is important, but within the process their should be times where we wait upon the Lord and let him confirm the direction, he’s big enough to do that
but this next thing is important when it come to stepping out in faith...
He was tough
He was tough
13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. 14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land.
1 sam 14:13
He was ready to work - 13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet - I love this…We’ve seen Johnathan boldness…his faith…the fact that he was yielded…now we see one of the most important elements you will need to do great things for the kingdom of God…You’re gonna need to work…in order for Johnathan to do what God wanted him to do…he was gonna have to climb
I love this…We’ve seen Johnathan boldness…his faith…the fact that he was yielded…now we see one of the most important elements you will need to do great things for the kingdom of God…You’re gonna need toughness…in order for Johnathan to do what God wanted him to do…he was gonna have to climb and fight
He was willing to fight - 14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men - not only was Johnathan ready to work…but he was ready to fight and he took out 20 men by himself
This reminds us of something we see in scripture over and over again…God uses people accomplish his plan - Johnathan didn’t get there see the plan and then say “Lord your gonna have to send someone up there to take out the philistines he was gonna to climb and fight himself
This reminds us of something we see in scripture over and over again…God uses people accomplish his plan - Johnathan didn’t get there see the plan and then say “Lord your gonna have to send someone up there to take out the philistines he was gonna to climb and fight himself
App: Many of us want to be used by God…we want to do great things for God…understand their is a price to pay…it’s hard work…it’s a battle…It’s worth it, but be ready to work
And he did some damage…but their were thousands of them right…so Johnathan did his part…but then God does his part
1 sam 14:
15 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.
So God shows up and essentially stupefies the Philistines…he sends a great and they start fighting each other as we will read in a minute…and theres an earthquake…and in this impossible situation Johnathan stepped out in faith and him and his armor bearer turned the tables
Big App: Hero’s are born out of great need…because they…Step out in Faith…do what you can…and God will do what you can’t
If you want to be big things for the kingdom of God…Step out in Faith…do what you can…and God will do what you can’t
No
Now there some other
Big question: who do you want to be?
What hinders us from being heroic? 14:16-23
What hinders us from being heroic? 14:16-23
From this point on where gonna people who were late to the fight…now better late then never…but will look favorably upon those who are willing to step out in boldness…in these next verses we’re gonna see what hinders boldness
But this passage speaks of 3 other kinds of people...
Self Preservation
Self Preservation
16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there.
16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel.
16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. 19 Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.”
1 SAM 14:16-
1 sam 14:
1 SAM 14:
1 One day Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the Philistine garrison on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 Saul was staying in the outskirts of Gibeah in the pomegranate cave at Migron. The people who were with him were about six hundred men, 3 including Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, son of Phinehas, son of Eli, the priest of the Lord in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan had gone. 4 Within the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistine garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side and a rocky crag on the other side. The name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The one crag rose on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.
6 Jonathan said to the young man who carried his armor, “Come, let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised. It may be that the Lord will work for us, for nothing can hinder the Lord from saving by many or by few.” 7 And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Do as you wish. Behold, I am with you heart and soul.” 8 Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to the men, and we will show ourselves to them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place, and we will not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has given them into our hand. And this shall be the sign to us.” 11 So both of them showed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Look, Hebrews are coming out of the holes where they have hidden themselves.” 12 And the men of the garrison hailed Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will show you a thing.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” 13 Then Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer killed them after him. 14 And that first strike, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, killed about twenty men within as it were half a furrow’s length in an acre of land. 15 And there was a panic in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and even the raiders trembled, the earth quaked, and it became a very great panic.
16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude was dispersing here and there. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. 19 Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven.
24 And the men of Israel had been hard pressed that day, so Saul had laid an oath on the people, saying, “Cursed be the man who eats food until it is evening and I am avenged on my enemies.” So none of the people had tasted food. 25 Now when all the people came to the forest, behold, there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people entered the forest, behold, the honey was dropping, but no one put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard his father charge the people with the oath, so he put out the tip of the staff that was in his hand and dipped it in the honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth, and his eyes became bright. 28 Then one of the people said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed be the man who eats food this day.’ ” And the people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See how my eyes have become bright because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much better if the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies that they found. For now the defeat among the Philistines has not been great.”
31 They struck down the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. 32 The people pounced on the spoil and took sheep and oxen and calves and slaughtered them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, “Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord by eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have dealt treacherously; roll a great stone to me here.” 34 And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Let every man bring his ox or his sheep and slaughter them here and eat, and do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.’ ” So every one of the people brought his ox with him that night and they slaughtered them there. 35 And Saul built an altar to the Lord; it was the first altar that he built to the Lord.
36 Then Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light; let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” But the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” 37 And Saul inquired of God, “Shall I go down after the Philistines? Will you give them into the hand of Israel?” But he did not answer him that day. 38 And Saul said, “Come here, all you leaders of the people, and know and see how this sin has arisen today. 39 For as the Lord lives who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, “You shall be on one side, and I and Jonathan my son will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” 41 Therefore Saul said, “O Lord God of Israel, why have you not answered your servant this day? If this guilt is in me or in Jonathan my son, O Lord, God of Israel, give Urim. But if this guilt is in your people Israel, give Thummim.” And Jonathan and Saul were taken, but the people escaped. 42 Then Saul said, “Cast the lot between me and my son Jonathan.” And Jonathan was taken.
43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him, “I tasted a little honey with the tip of the staff that was in my hand. Here I am; I will die.” 44 And Saul said, “God do so to me and more also; you shall surely die, Jonathan.” 45 Then the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it! As the Lord lives, there shall not one hair of his head fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people ransomed Jonathan, so that he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from pursuing the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place.
47 When Saul had taken the kingship over Israel, he fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab, against the Ammonites, against Edom, against the kings of Zobah, and against the Philistines. Wherever he turned he routed them. 48 And he did valiantly and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them.
49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan, Ishvi, and Malchi-shua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn was Merab, and the name of the younger Michal. 50 And the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the commander of his army was Abner the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51 Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner the father of Abner was the son of Abiel.
52 There was hard fighting against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man, or any valiant man, he attached him to himself.
So in Michmash theres this heroic venture of faith taking place…where’s Saul? In Gibeah, in a cave, surrounded by his security detail, hiding behind his lookouts…but then his look outs see that there a big issue at the philistine camp and look at what the first thing on Saul’s mind is...
Thats the definition of a “holdback” someone who’s more about keeping “preservation of self” then ventures of faith…and when others are making moves for the kingdom of God…their hiding in thier cave
Notice that Saul is marked by 2 things:
Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count and see who has gone from us.” (v.17) - This would take quite a while Why in the world would Saul do this in the midst of battle? because he wants to know “who’s the threat to my kingdom”
App: here’s the truth If your not living for His kingdom…Your gonna be focused on yours
15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.
Here’s the point thats being made here: Your heart only has so much room…and if it’s too filled up with the cares of your kingdom…there will be no room for anything else
Think of your heart as if it’s an iPhone…like one with limited storage like 32 gigs
Here’s the next thing that will hinder you from being heroic...
Procrastination
Procrastination
18 So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God went at that time with the people of Israel. 19 Now while Saul was talking to the priest, the tumult in the camp of the Philistines increased more and more. So Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion.
1 sam 14:
So Johnathan (Saul’s son) is at war against the enemies of the Lord…and in some impossible feat He’s winning…he should have been like let’s go! instead he says…let’s pray
Understand: Prayer is never a bad thing…but Saul should have already been praying! the situation was already bleak…but he’s just sitting back possible getting comfortable with the idea of losing…
So Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” (v.18) So Saul’s son is at war against the enemies of the Lord…and in some impossible feat He’s winning…he should have been like let’s go! instead he says…let’s pray…theres a time to pray and theres a time to fight...
Now it’s time to go! perhaps he can pray and go...
But instead He’s procrastinating in a really Spiritual way
App: Have you done that? God’s opened up an obvious opportunity for your serve…or theres an obvious need that you can meet…and instead just doing it...we’ve learned to say “I’ll pray about it”
Have you ever found yourself talking about God’s will…as if it’s a dr.s appointment 3 weeks from now
We do this with opportunities - We put it off
We do this with sin - We put it off
App: But here we have the first kind of person you can become if you watch yourself…someone who gets use to hiding out
You will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take
Theres a time to pray…but theres a time to go
Here’s the next kind of person you can be...
Here’s the next kind of person you can be...
Assimilation
Assimilation
1 sam 14:20
Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan.
20 Then Saul and all the people who were with him rallied and went into the battle. And behold, every Philistine’s sword was against his fellow, and there was very great confusion. 21 Now the Hebrews who had been with the Philistines before that time and who had gone up with them into the camp, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle.
To be assimilated is to be fully absorbed in a thing…and here we see that for one reason or another there were Hebrew defectors who we’re absorbed into the philistine culture…it could have been because of intermarrying…but it was most likely because they wanted to align with winners…remember it was thousands against 600…and they only had 2 swords
1 sam 14:
To be assimilated is to be fully absorbed in a thing…and here we see that for one reason or another there were hebrews here…who had been absorbed into the other teams…perhaps through inter - marriage or just plain fear…whatever the case they sold out and
App: Here’s the thing, If the only time you follow God is when It’s favorable to you to do so…You will never do anything bold for the kingdom…because you will always be late to the show
Here’s the last thing that will hinder your boldness
Intimidation
Intimidation
Likewise, when all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in the hill country of Ephraim heard that the Philistines were fleeing, they too followed hard after them in the battle. So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed beyond Beth-aven.
1 sam 14:2
Here we see good old fashioned fear…these Israelites were hidden in the hill country…didn’t want to be visible…now understand they wanted fight…but their fear had gotten the best of them
App: Is that you?
Understand: Fear is a part of life…and letting fear control your life will render you usless…everything becomes about what’s safe…but if you look at scripture
God’s calling people into storms
God’s allowing his people to be persecuted
Question: Why is he so willing to let people lose their lives here on earth?…because the bible says there’s much more your life then what down here
So but I’m gonna ask you to fear the Lord first
And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.
If we make a habit of fearing the Lord first…all the other fears won’t seem as daunting
Conclusion: So how can you be a hero?
Hard moments have the potential to be heroic moments
Hero’s have a hero - God
Beware of the things that will hinder you form being heroic - Selfishness - Always praying never Going - Fear and Fair wether-ness
Jesus can transform you into a hero…You don’t have to be the vallen
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Jesus can change your story